Chicago, IL – Thunderstorm chances are expected to increase across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana over the next several days, with forecasters warning some storms could become severe by Monday afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago office, isolated thunderstorms may develop late Saturday night into early Sunday morning across portions of northern Illinois. The strongest storms overnight could produce gusty winds and small hail.
Forecasters said Sunday carries a limited thunderstorm risk, mainly north of Interstate 88, before a more active weather pattern arrives Monday into Tuesday.
The National Weather Service said Monday currently carries a Level 2 of 5 severe weather risk for parts of the region, along with a limited flooding risk. Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected at times through Tuesday afternoon.
Forecast models indicate some storms Monday could produce damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and isolated hail across the Chicago metro area and surrounding counties including Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will, McHenry, and northwest Indiana communities.
In Chicago, temperatures are expected to climb into the low-to-mid 80s Monday and Tuesday with breezy conditions helping fuel storm development. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph at times.
Travelers should monitor changing weather conditions, especially during the Monday evening commute when stronger storms may begin moving northeast at 30 to 40 mph.
Conditions are expected to improve by Wednesday with cooler temperatures and partly sunny skies returning to the region.
